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- Ελληνικά
It is indeed with great pleasure that I address today's opening ceremony of the annual motorcyclists' love ride in support of the Pancyprian Association for Children with Cancer and related diseases "A Dream, A Wish". This ride is a great way to join forces and show our support to the children facing this difficult challenge.
Our presence at today's event is an important message of love, hope and solidarity to the children and their families who are in this struggle. Every step we take today is a step towards providing relief and support to children in need.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the association for its commendable work over the years, since 1997. The "One Dream, One Wish" Association, with its targeted actions, strengthens our social awareness in order to support the fulfilment of children's wishes, the financial support of their families and the provision of psychological support to both children and their families.
I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the volunteer motorcyclists who selflessly participate in today's symbolic yet meaningful event, contributing to the financial support of the association "One Dream One Wish" in order to support the important fight for life.
Friends,
Childhood and adolescent cancer is a rare disease that accounts for less than 0.5% to 2% of all cancers. According to the WHO, every year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years develop cancer. However, cancer is the most common cause of death from disease in children over the age of 1 year in developed countries.
The most common types of childhood cancers in Cyprus are leukaemia (26.5%), lymphoma (21.5%), thyroid cancer (14%) and brain tumours (11%), which are the 4th most common cause of cancer in Cyprus.
In our country, high quality services are currently offered in accordance with European guidelines. Makarios Hospital has a standard Pediatric Oncology Department of high standards with specialized medical and nursing staff, ensuring the quality of holistic treatment of children and their families. The premises are appropriately designed for children, with play areas and a classroom, while at the same time facilities are provided for parents, as a children's hospital should.
I would like to take this opportunity to note that the Ministry of Health is actively providing immediate and effective solutions to the management of the health problems of our little friends. In particular, through the financial assistance plan, it acts directly for difficult cases of childhood cancer and related diseases to send them to specialized centres abroad for treatments and examinations.
To conclude my brief speech, I hope that the aims of today's event will come to fruition. Finally, I wish all the children and their families all the best and a future full of health, joy and success.
(DK)
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